Moon Face Terrarium

by Janet Chu

Designing glass terrariums with orchids came with its own set of challenges.

During the testing phase, one of my first questions was how to water an orchid inside an open glass container without leaving mineral spots from tap water on the glass, while still keeping the care process practical. My solution was to use a long-spout watering can so I could direct the water straight to the root system without splashing the glass. The last thing I want is for a beautiful terrarium to look unkempt.

From there, I began thinking about the decorative elements. What color rocks or pebbles would complement the orchid without overpowering it? I decided to use finer stones at the base and larger polished rocks on top, creating layers of texture while keeping the overall design clean and modern.

To me, designing an orchid arrangement is very similar to putting together a great outfit. The colors need to work in harmony, and the accessories should enhance the focal point rather than compete with it. In fashion, the focal point is the person's face. In my designs, it is always the orchid.

Then comes the fit. Just as clothing should complement the proportions of the person wearing it, the container should complement the proportions of the orchid. I consider the length and shape of the leaves, the height and movement of the flower stems, and the size of the blooms. The scale of the glass container has to work with all of these elements so that, when everything comes together, the arrangement feels balanced rather than crowded or undersized.

Proportion is just as important as color. Every element needs the right amount of visual weight and texture to create sophistication without making the arrangement feel overly decorated.

This glass terrarium has become one of our staple designs for Fall/Winter 2026.

Before opening Orchid Boutique, we came from the fashion industry, and I naturally carried that way of thinking into floral design. I like to approach each season as if I am developing a collection. As the seasons change, so do our colors, containers, textures, and design elements.

Over time, customer feedback and sales help us understand which designs have lasting appeal. The strongest designs become part of our blueprint for future collections, returning in new seasons with subtle changes in color, materials, and decorative details.

That is part of what makes designing orchids exciting for me. An arrangement may begin with an idea, but the final design often reveals itself through experimentation, observation, and discovery.

Designed by Ada Law, Moon Face Orchid Terrarium $135